November 8, 2008
Mushrooms in the News
Word that mushrooms may be one of the best "super foods" continues to spread. A recent article on London's Daily Mail tells readers that increasing research is showing mushrooms to be one of nature's best defenses against illness and disease, including heart disease and cancer.
The October 20th article, titled "Why the humble mushroom is being hailed as a super food" quotes dietician Dr. Sarah Schenker as saying that mushrooms are a perfect food because "they contain virtually no fat, sugar or salt and are a valuable source of dietary fibre as well as the five B vitamins thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6) and folate. They also contain the essential minerals potassium, copper, phosphorous and iron."
Schenker adds that a special benefit of mushrooms is that they contain selenium, a mineral not found in many other fruits and vegetables. In addition, mushrooms have more than 90 percent water content. Hence, adding them to dishes, such as stews, can make people feel fuller without boosting calorie content.
The Daily Mail article also notes that the active antiviral compound lentinan is present in the shitake mushroom and research has shown that compound helps boost the immune system. Research also indicates the shitake may help lower blood cholesterol and reduce the harmful effects of saturated fat. Another beneficial mushroom mentioned in the article was the maitake, a rich source of beta-glucans that have potentially anti-tumour effects. And, the tree ear - or wood ear - mushroom, can thin the blood, helping prevent heart disease and stroke.
A great benefit of Mushroom Matrix nutritional supplements is that those supplements contain high levels of L-Ergothioneine. And as the Daily Mail article pointed out, L-Ergothioneine works on cell-damaging substances known as free radicals and protects the body's DNA from damage. Another apparent benefit of mushrooms, based on research performed at Hanyang University in South Korea, is that they may lower the risk of breast cancer.
So, follow the advice given by Dr. Schenker in the Daily Mail article and eat more mushrooms.
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